Douglas Alan Bemis

BEMIS, Douglas A.; of Clarkston formerly of Royal Oak; passed away on September 18, 2022; age 61; husband of Tammy; father of Doug Jr (Alexandria Wessel) Bemis, David (Rebecca) Bemis, Dan (Ashleigh) Bemis and Deanna (Scott) Schwenz; stepfather of Jordan (Edin Golomb) Robak and Jackson (Mary Ann Wolfe) Robak; grandpa “Papa” of Micah, Dawson, Reed & Brady; also survived by 3 siblings; Doug loved his pets, Julian & Nacho; preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Myra and his brothers, Rock and Butch.

Doug and his dad, Robert, started Caniff Electric Supply in 1982. Doug's father Bob was an electrician by trade at the Detroit Free Press. They started the business from essentially nothing in a small storefront in Hamtramck. Over the next few decades, Caniff Electric became a major player in the industry-employing over 100 employees and grew to an annual sales volume of 100 million per year. Doug’s father wanted to go into business with his children and Doug followed suit; his children were a big part of the company that they built. He created lasting friendships with vendors and customers and is referenced by all as a “Legend" in the electrical industry. In December 2021, Doug sold Caniff Electric Supply to the McNaughton-McKay Electric Company. He took great pride in bringing the two great companies together and his legacy is the future he secured for his children and his work family.

The most common phrase to describe him by his friends and family is that “Doug was one of a kind.” He always did whatever he could to make those around him happy. His enthusiasm was contagious. His sense of humor, positivity and ability to make someone feel like the most important person in the room defined who he was. He had an incredible gift of remembering a face and a name. He truly cared about everyone. His mantra was simply: “treat others how you want to be treated” and “be kind and take care of others with nothing expected in return.” Those around Doug knew that he cared and was genuine and authentic.  Humor was a big part of his personality. At times he could be a bit uncensored - but because of who he was and how he said it, the room always filled with laughter. His family will always remember him as the “best man they have ever known”. He was truly one of a kind and adored by all. He will be missed tremendously.

Although work and family were a big part of Doug’s life, he was also able to enjoy many hobbies. He was a fixture with the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lion’s communities, having attended numerous home games. He was a talented bowler and enjoyed bowling at the Detroit Athletic Club for decades. Doug enjoyed traveling and spending the winter in Marco Island with his wife, Tammy.

Doug was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The average person is given six months to live with this diagnosis, but he was dedicated to beating cancer. He did everything in his power mentally, physically, and spiritually and never lost his positive attitude. His care team grew very fond of him and in a lot of ways believed he was a miracle. He lived another two years and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Wednesday, September 28th. 4-9 pm at Highlands Detroit Renaissance Center. 400 Renaissance Center, Floor 72, Detroit, MI 48243.

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*Details re: parking and attire for Doug's Celebration of Life: 

Attire: Come as you are or beach casual attire in honor of Doug.
 
Parking and navigating the building instructions: Please utilize the Beaubien Place Parking Garage that is located on the east side of the Rencen, 2nd garage closest to the river - 238 Beaubien St, Detroit MI 48243.
 
Once you park in the garage, please utilize the 2nd floor bridge that is located in the parking garage. Once you enter the building, you will then proceed straight ahead and will walk around the blue circular wall and will find escalators. Please take 2 escalators up to the 3rd level. You will then walk around a circular wall and will find the Highlands Host stand. Please use the elevator at the host stand and take it to the 72nd floor. There is a security guard at the entrance when entering the building that can also point you in the right direction.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy via Doug's Memorial Donation Page.

Or by sending donations "In Honor of Doug Bemis" to:
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)
1012 14th Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, District of Columbia 20005 US
201-250-8440

Private interment Cadillac Memorial Gardens East. Please leave a memory or condolence on Doug’s online guestbook below.

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